Advances in Atmospheric Boundary Layer Measurements

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the upcoming Special Issue of Remote Sensing, entitled “Advances in Atmospheric Boundary Layer Measurements”.

The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is a key area of research in atmospheric sciences due to its fundamental role in numerous disciplines, including climatology, boundary-layer meteorology, aviation safety, wind energy, air quality, and pollutant dispersion. Over recent decades, technological advances have significantly enhanced the capabilities of remote sensing systems for observing the ABL. Innovations ranging from radar-based sensors to state-of-the-art fiber-optic wind lidar systems have substantially improved the accuracy, spatial and temporal resolution, and coverage of atmospheric observations, enabling advances in weather forecasting, air quality monitoring, aviation hazard mitigation, and wind resource assessment.

This Special Issue aims to bring together original research articles and review papers presenting the latest advances in atmospheric boundary-layer measurements using remote sensing techniques. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:

1. Remote Sensing of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

• Ground-based, airborne, shipborne, and satellite observations of the ABL;
• Multi-platform and multi-sensor observation strategies;
• Characterization of boundary-layer structure and evolution.

2. Advances in Remote Sensing Instrumentation

• Wind lidar, Doppler radar, microwave radiometers, sodars, ceilometers, and related technologies;
• Fiber-optic and scanning wind lidar systems;
• Instrument calibration, intercomparison, and performance assessment.

3. Retrieval Methods and Parameter Estimation

• Retrieval and inversion of atmospheric boundary-layer variables;
• Wind, turbulence, temperature, humidity, and aerosol profiling;
• Uncertainty analysis and retrieval validation.

4. Machine Learning and Data-Driven Approaches

• Machine learning and deep learning for parameter retrieval and inversion;
• AI-assisted quality control and signal processing;
• Data-driven methodologies for atmospheric boundary layer characterization.

5. Multi-Source Data Fusion and Data Assimilation

• Integration of observations from multiple remote sensing platforms;
• Synergistic use of remote sensing, in situ measurements, and numerical models;
• Data assimilation for weather and air quality forecasting.

6. Boundary Layer Processes and Applications

• Atmospheric turbulence and boundary-layer dynamics;
• Air quality and pollutant dispersion;
• Wind energy assessment and offshore applications;
• Aviation meteorology and hazard detection;
• Urban meteorology and microclimate studies.

7. Validation, Field Campaigns, and Operational Applications

• Experimental campaigns and long-term observational networks;
• Validation against in situ observations and numerical simulations;
• Operational applications for environmental monitoring and forecasting.

This Special Issue aligns with the journal's mission of promoting innovative remote sensing technologies and their applications to atmospheric sciences, environmental monitoring, and Earth system research. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions and showcasing the latest developments in atmospheric boundary-layer measurements.

Dr. Andreu Salcedo-Bosch
Dr. Simone Lolli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the Special Issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Publisher’s Notice

Following discussions between the Remote Sensing Editorial Office and the Guest Editor team, the Special Issue description has been revised. This change has been approved by the journal Editorial Board, and the Special Issue website has been updated accordingly on 27 July 2026. The Special Issue will continue to be handled by the Guest Editor team in accordance with MDPI’s Special Issue and editorial policies.